The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has stepped up operations in Bawku and its surrounding areas in response to the growing clashes and intermittent gunfire that occurred in the region recently.

In a statement dated April 21, 2025, the security service detailed efforts it has put in place to restore order and enhance security.GAF revealed that personnel have been conducting rigorous cordon and search operations, aiming to mitigate the unrest.

This was in response to sporadic gunshots emanating from the Binduri Central Market area to prevent further escalation.

A joint task force, composed of troops from the 11 Mechanised Battalion and supported by police officers, launched a thorough search of the area.

During the operation, security forces successfully arrested one suspected gunman, who was immediately handed over to the police for further investigation.

The security team also recovered a significant cache of weapons and ammunition, including an AK-47 rifle, a G3 rifle, 370 rounds of M16 and AK-47 ammunition, 128 rounds of G3 ammunition, an empty M16 rifle magazine, a machete, four fragmentation jackets, boots, and a helmet.

Later in the day, military patrols prevented an attempted infiltration by unknown gunmen in Binduri. A firefight ensued between the armed individuals and the military personnel, resulting in the gunmen fleeing the scene.

Despite the tension, the situation in Bawku is now under control, with troops maintaining a heightened state of readiness to respond to any further threats.

The Ghana Armed Forces, in collaboration with other security agencies, continues its mission to safeguard the peace and stability of Bawku.

GAF has called on residents and the wider public to cooperate with ongoing security operations, as efforts to restore normalcy in the region continue.

The public’s support is deemed crucial in maintaining peace and ensuring the safety of all citizens as the security forces work tirelessly to prevent further unrest.

The Bawku conflict flared up again in late 2024 after a period of relative calm. This resurgence was triggered by the return of Alhaji Seidu Abagre, a Mamprusi chief who had been enskinned in 2022 but later exiled due to his enskinment being declared illegal.

When the arrest warrant against him was withdrawn by a High Court in Kumasi in October 2024, his return to Bawku reignited tensions between the Kusasi and Mamprusi factions.The renewed conflict has led to violent clashes, including attacks on civilians and security personnel such as police officers. For instance, on April 13, 2025, three people were killed, including two young police officers. The conflict has also caused significant displacement, with many residents fleeing the area to seek safety.

Tragically, over 47 deaths have so far been, including women and children, with violence spilling into neighboring towns like Walewale.

In a bid to find a lasting solution to the conflict, the government has once again sought the intervention of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to mediate. Peace talks are scheduled to resume at the Manhyia Palace from April 28 to May 1, 2025.This is not the first time the Mahama led government has fallen on the Asantehene for mediation works.